Chiang Mai Airport: Security measures and flight changes for Yi Peng Festival!

Chiang Mai Airport: Security measures and flight changes for Yi Peng Festival!

In Chiang Mai, festive anticipation is already spreading for the Yi Peng Festival, which will be celebrated this year on November 5th and 6th, 2025. Special precautions are required at Chiang Mai International Airport to ensure the smooth flow of air traffic. How Nation of Thailand reported, all flight operations will be stopped by 7:00 p.m. on the festival days. This is to prevent sky lanterns, which are released en masse into the sky during the festival, from falling under air traffic and causing safety concerns.

During the festival, a passenger volume of over 32,000 travelers per day is expected. This represents an increase of 17% compared to normal values. To cope with the influx of travelers, airport operators have hired additional staff to assist passengers and encourage the use of self-service facilities. These include Common Use Self-Service (CUSS) kiosks and biometric screening processes.

Flight changes and cancellations

Travelers should be aware that air travel adjustments often occur during the Yi Peng Festival. By the deadline of October 31, 2025, 161 flights had already been canceled or rescheduled due to the festivities. These include 65 cancellations (including 41 domestic and 24 international flights) and 96 schedule changes (64 domestic and 32 international flights). In addition, 44 special flights will be provided to handle return traffic after the festival, such as Yipeng Lantern Festival notes.

It is advisable for travelers to check their flights closer to the travel date and actively research possible changes with their airlines to avoid unpleasant surprises. The safety concerns surrounding the release of sky lanterns can lead to short-term adjustments to air traffic.

Sky Lantern Safety Precautions

In addition to the measures at the airport, Chiang Mai has also implemented strict regulations on the release of sky lanterns to ensure safety during the festival. Six districts have been identified as high-risk areas where the release of lanterns is only permitted under strict conditions. Chiang Mai Deputy Governor Siwa Thamikanont, together with local authorities, has conducted inspections at relevant outlets to check compliance. Among other things, gas stations for lanterns in the districts of Nong Tong, Hang Dong and Racha Lantern Shop in Nong Phueng were checked. The Thaiger states that the release of the lanterns is permitted on the designated days, November 15 and 16, between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m., provided they meet the set standards.

The release of sky lanterns is not only a cultural highlight, but also a significant reason for local security authorities to take preventive action against possible dangers. Anyone who violates the established rules will, in the worst case, face heavy fines or even prison time. According to authorities, 62,000 lanterns have already been approved this year, with strict safety requirements helping to keep the festivities safe.

Overall, these precautions demonstrate the city's commitment to finding a balance between cultural traditions and the safety of citizens and travelers. It is hoped that the festivities will create unforgettable moments without any incidents occurring.